Bhojpuri film star Pawan Singh is at the center of a growing controversy following a viral video that shows him allegedly touching co-star Anjali Raghav inappropriately during a promotional event in Lucknow. The incident, which occurred during the launch of their song “Saiya Seva Kare,” has sparked widespread outrage across social media platforms and prompted Anjali Raghav to announce her exit from the Bhojpuri entertainment industry.
In the video, Singh is seen placing his hand on Raghav’s waist while she addresses the audience. Though she initially smiled and continued speaking, Raghav later clarified that her reaction was misinterpreted. In a series of Instagram videos posted on August 30, she stated that she was deeply disturbed by the incident and had refrained from reacting immediately due to the overwhelming presence of Singh’s fan base at the event.
“Some people are saying I was smiling and enjoying it. Would I be happy if someone touched me in public without my consent? Absolutely not,” Raghav said, addressing criticism and memes that questioned her response. She explained that Singh had pointed to her waist, claiming something was stuck there. Assuming it might be a tag from her new saree or blouse, she laughed it off. However, after the event, her team confirmed that nothing was there, leaving her shocked and upset.
Raghav emphasized that had the incident occurred in Haryana, she would have felt more supported by the audience. “In Lucknow, the crowd was entirely his fan base. If I had spoken out, would they have supported me?” she asked in her video statement.
Following the incident, Raghav announced her decision to quit the Bhojpuri industry. “I do not support touching any girl without her permission. That is completely wrong. I will no longer work in the Bhojpuri industry,” she declared.
The video has ignited a wave of criticism online, with users condemning Singh’s behavior as unprofessional and disrespectful. Some have also drawn attention to his past controversies, including allegations made by actress Akshara Singh, further fueling public scrutiny.
As of now, Pawan Singh has not issued a public statement addressing the incident. The matter continues to dominate headlines, raising broader concerns about consent, accountability, and the treatment of women in regional entertainment industries.
